502 China Keemun Imperial [HOME]
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Reviewer: A tea Drinker, Monroe, CT
December 08, 2008
This tea is classic Keemun at its best -- full and strong with that wonderful baked bread quality and subtle smokiness that I've come to expect from a top quality Keemun. It has just a hint of cocoa in the aroma that really draws you in. A great morning tea that holds its own even with the addition of milk and sugar.
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, WEST BEND,WI
November 24, 2008
This was my first Keemun, and I don't care for the very smoky flavor. It was like drinking a liquid campfire, or black tea with Liquid Smoke added. Yuck. I dumped the pot, and tossed the rest of my sample.
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, Chula Vista ,CA
May 22, 2008
Just superb. This is a full strong Keemun with that fruity, baked-bread bouquet that really comes through. I guzzle down a HALF GALLON every four days as an iced tea, and even then I'm holding myself back. Best Keemun I've tried, and still a fair value here.
Reviewer: Kevin , Flick , Las Vegas ,NV
March 20, 2008
My first tea of this kind and - wow! Bright and lively. Makes a good strong cup. Lots of up front flavor but not harsh in any way. So much fun I wanted to brew more right away, but I held off, wary of over-caffeinating myself.
Reviewer: DAVID M , LUBERTOZZI , Oakland ,CA
September 17, 2007
Not as orchidy as some, more towards chocolately-anisey with a hint of smoke; a rich cup with winey body and buttery feel, long licorice finish. Nowhere near as tarry and anisey as some Congou though, so don't be scared, but it's definitely hearty enough for a breakfast cup with milk, yet still complex and balanced enough for the connoisseur. Good value.
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, Pittsburgh ,PA
June 13, 2006
502 has many of the virtues of the excellent 503 Hao-Ya A: a hint of cocoa in the aroma, a touch of pepper and spice in the flavor. The 502 is more muted and for me a bit dryer-tasting and not as complex; of course, 503's a lot more expensive too. Interesting aroma which I unfortunately can't describe, more spicy than floral. If I couldn't get the Hao-Ya this would be a good second choice.
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, ALBANY ,NY
March 09, 2006
I tried Keemum Imperial 502 today. (Received as a sample with last order.) Enjoyed it greatly. One of the nicest black teas I've tried. I'll be ordering some 502.
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, Belmont ,CA
January 29, 2006
This does not appeal to me; but then, most Keemuns don't. Too murky, and there is a tarry note. What I do like is the Keemun Mao Feng (504): lovely Keemun aroma without the aforementioned negatives.(Please get some more.) Or if you are looking for deep chocolaty notes, I suggest a red Fujian.
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, North Little Rock ,AR
December 21, 2005
This tea was fabulous! It was my first Keemun, and I was skeptical, as I generally don't appreciate many of the black teas (except Irish Breakfast with milk and sugar). But this was a real treat. It has a lovely chocolate-like aroma and flavor. Very rich and soft if you follow the brewing recommendations on the bag. This has replaced Fine Irish Breakfast as my favorite morning tea.
Reviewer: A tea Drinker, EL PASO ,TX
December 01, 2005
I'm less experienced with Keemun teas than with others, so take this with a grain of salt... Oh, my. This is one tasty tea! #502 has an intense Keemun "malt" aroma, flavor, and finish, with no bitterness. It's quite bold, full-bodied, and rich and seems to be higher in caffeine (?)than other teas. Compared to #503 Hao-Ya, it is bolder, there's no obvious smokiness, and the intensity of this tea may be covering up other nutty tones. Multiple brews are not a problem. The aroma alone is worth the price.
Reviewer: Ken , Calhoun , Silsbee ,TX
August 04, 2005
Without sweetener it has a strong “tea” taste. Mildly astringent. Good enough to drink straight, but really shines when sweetened just a touch. Good hearty tea for the morning.
Reviewer: Nick,
This tea is very complex in flavor and aroma. The amount of astrigency is very low even if brewed from longer then reccomended.
Reviewer: MMS,
I found this a bit disappointing. While the flavour does have some complexity, it wasn't a particularly good one and I did not taste any orchid qualities. Somewhat bitter and cloying for my taste.
Reviewer: Max,
This is a wonderful after dinner tea. Full, rich flavors will go great with a piece of choclate(!) and the smooth tannin taste will cut even the richest meal. I was introduced to keemum at The Gotham Bar and Grill, one of New York's best and fanciest restaurants, and it is there pick for desert.
Reviewer: Ted,
This is a very good Keemun for the price. It has a lot of traditional Keemun flavor, much better than the 501 and almost the same as the 503. I like to steep it for eight to nine minutes and then add milk.
Reviewer: Linda L.,
I'm sensitive to caffeine and was looking for a smooth, rich, non-bitter tea that I could drink throughout the day. This is a lovely tea that's just as enjoyable with breakfast as it is after dinner.
Reviewer: Hardcore-punk-tea-sn,
Strong, pleasant, not very tanic, doesnt need milk. Not so refined as to lose its punch. Brew for five minutes for best brew.
Reviewer: Bob H.,
This is a sweet, aromatic tea. It is excellent for breakfast with milk and sugar and is great self-standing as an afternoon tea. For breakfast, I alternate between this tea, Tea #223 and Tea #319., dependng on my mood. They are all GREAT!!
Reviewer: Archie,
I received this as a free sample with my order. I was pleasantly surprised. I tend to choose Lapsang or Pu-Erh usually, but I will be adding this on my next order ( or perhaps another Keemun ). This one has a mild hint of orchid. I'm certainly no expert on this type, though.
